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Program Details

Career Studies Certificate in Geographic Information Systems

Career Studies Certificate
Southwest Virginia Community College

The Career Studies Certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in technologies using Geographic Information Systems or to expand the knowledge and skills of individuals presently employed in a wide variety of careers in business, computer technologies, environmental, urban and regional planning, government, forestry, land management and many more. This program also provides an excellent foundation for continued study of GIS at the university and four year college level.

Outcomes

Demonstrate knowledge of the use of maps and major elements of the natural environment. Create and maintain database objects, and store, retrieve, and manipulate data shared in a relational database. Demonstrate how to work with commands, functions, and operators using SQL on the introductory level from databases. Demonstrate introductory use of a geographic information system and manipulation of data.


Program Overview & Guidance
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Program Web Page
Click here for details
External Link
Delivery Mode
In-Person
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Delivery Mode
Online
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Delivery Mode
Hybrid
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Program Guidance Element What You Need to Know
Considerations for Selecting Degree Certificate can be completed completely online if needed. Completed in 1 year.
Considerations When Selecting Courses

Course work should be completed in the order it appears in the catalog.

  • Create a schedule for all required courses, pay attention to prerequisites and when courses are offered, complete your first math and English courses in your first year
  • Connect with an advisor at your community college and Southwest Virginia Community College within your first year via College Connect
Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses
Doing More With Your Degree Easily add an additional Career Study Certificate in Cybersecurity, Computer Repair, and/or IT Support after completion. The Career Study Certificate is an excellent addition to a Information Systems Technology, Engineering, Agribusiness, Business Administration or Management program degree or certificate.
Program Successes & Highlights A great opportunity to begin studying Geographic Information Systems for employment in industry such as commercial business, parks and recreation, land management, agribusiness. This certificate can be complimentary to most programs of study. Also a great opportunity to begin exploring database fundamentals.
Program Credit Requirements
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The table below provides the requirements to complete this program. If you have an account and have created a Portfolio, the table includes the "Applied Credits" column. This column shows how the credits you earned based on the experiences you entered may be applied to satisfy these requirements. You should consult an advisor or counselor to find courses you can take at your current institution that will transfer to this degree.

Please note that some courses may count towards more than one requirement such as meeting a general education requirement and a major specific requirement. The course will be listed under the first matching requirement. Please contact the institution with questions.

The program map provided below is an estimate based on courses identified as a result of reviewing your portfolio and the requirements for the selected program.

A formal determination of credits awarded for your prior learning and their applicability to the degree requirements can only be made by the institution. The formal determination and resulting map may reflect higher or lower number of credits to be completed to achieve this program.
Requirements
Required Credits
Career Studies Certificate in Geographic Information Systems
23
Career Studies Certificate in Geographic Information Systems
23
Plan GPA 221-719-71
23
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
Residency Requirement 221-719-71
6
Transfer credits will be evaluated, and as applicable, up to 18 credits may be applied to this program.
GIS Elective Requirement
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
GIS 200 Requirement
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
GIS 201 Requirement
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
GIS 205 Requirement
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
GIS 210 Requirement
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Approved Elective 3 Credits
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?
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Transfer Guidance Element What You Need to Know
Associate Transfer Degree Completion

Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School No
Credit for Prior Learning
Did You Know That...
  • Completing your Associate transfer degree post-high school satisfies all lower division general education requirements and increases the chance of completing your bachelor's degree?
  • Exceeding 3 years or 90 credits at your community college means you may have exhausted your financial aid at that college and have limited your future financial aid at: Southwest Virginia Community College
College Level Information
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Transfer Center
Visit our transfer site for more information
External Link
Transfer Admission Application
Transfer Students - Apply Here
External Link
Transfer Student Aid
Financial Aid for Transfer Students
External Link
Number of Transfer Students
747
Percent of Accepted Transfer Students
100%, AV GPA 3.07
College Fit Guidance What You Need to Know
Is This College Right For Me? Annual HC 3120, Transfer in per semester 97, Av Class size 12, Limited Foundation Owned Housing
Transfer Student Catalog Year Summer, Fall , Spring is a catalog year
First Year Student Catalog Year Summer, Fall , Spring is a catalog year
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions
Where Can This Degree Transfer
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Institution Title Degree Award Name Award Level Delivery Mode
Careers Where This Degree Applies
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O*Net Code Name Description Parent
11-9041.00Architectural and Engineering ManagersPlan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields.Management Occupations
11-9041.01Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development ManagersDefine, plan, or execute biofuels/biodiesel research programs that evaluate alternative feedstock and process technologies with near-term commercial potential.Management Occupations
17-1021.00Cartographers and PhotogrammetristsResearch, study, and prepare maps and other spatial data in digital or graphic form for one or more purposes, such as legal, social, political, educational, and design purposes. May work with Geographic Information Systems (GIS). May design and evaluate algorithms, data structures, and user interfaces for GIS and mapping systems. May collect, analyze, and interpret geographic information provided by geodetic surveys, aerial photographs, and satellite data.Architecture and Engineering Occupations
17-2199.03Energy Engineers, Except Wind and SolarDesign, develop, or evaluate energy-related projects or programs to reduce energy costs or improve energy efficiency during the designing, building, or remodeling stages of construction. May specialize in electrical systems; heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems; green buildings; lighting; air quality; or energy procurement.Architecture and Engineering Occupations
25-1032.00Engineering Teachers, PostsecondaryTeach courses pertaining to the application of physical laws and principles of engineering for the development of machines, materials, instruments, processes, and services. Includes teachers of subjects such as chemical, civil, electrical, industrial, mechanical, mineral, and petroleum engineering. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.Educational Instruction and Library Occupations
17-2199.00Engineers, All OtherAll engineers not listed separately.Architecture and Engineering Occupations
17-1022.01Geodetic SurveyorsMeasure large areas of the Earth's surface using satellite observations, global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), light detection and ranging (LIDAR), or related sources.Architecture and Engineering Occupations
17-2199.05Mechatronics EngineersResearch, design, develop, or test automation, intelligent systems, smart devices, or industrial systems control.Architecture and Engineering Occupations
17-2199.06Microsystems EngineersResearch, design, develop, or test microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices.Architecture and Engineering Occupations
17-2199.09Nanosystems EngineersDesign, develop, or supervise the production of materials, devices, or systems of unique molecular or macromolecular composition, applying principles of nanoscale physics and electrical, chemical, or biological engineering.Architecture and Engineering Occupations
17-2199.07Photonics EngineersDesign technologies specializing in light information or light energy, such as laser or fiber optics technology.Architecture and Engineering Occupations
17-2199.08Robotics EngineersResearch, design, develop, or test robotic applications.Architecture and Engineering Occupations
17-2199.11Solar Energy Systems EngineersPerform site-specific engineering analysis or evaluation of energy efficiency and solar projects involving residential, commercial, or industrial customers. Design solar domestic hot water and space heating systems for new and existing structures, applying knowledge of structural energy requirements, local climates, solar technology, and thermodynamics.Architecture and Engineering Occupations
17-1022.00SurveyorsMake exact measurements and determine property boundaries. Provide data relevant to the shape, contour, gravitation, location, elevation, or dimension of land or land features on or near the earth's surface for engineering, mapmaking, mining, land evaluation, construction, and other purposes.Architecture and Engineering Occupations
17-2199.10Wind Energy EngineersDesign underground or overhead wind farm collector systems and prepare and develop site specifications.Architecture and Engineering Occupations
Cost To Complete
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This section provides you with a very high-level estimate of your costs and is purely intended as a guide. You should consult the institution via College Connect to get a more detailed estimate based on the totality of your circumstances. The selections below are based on information gathered from your Profile and the estimated costs are calculated based on the 23 credits remaining to be completed

Please select the "Cumulative Months of Service" that determine your Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits.
Estimated Cost for the Career Studies Certificate in Geographic Information Systems at Southwest Virginia Community College
These costs are based on an estimated 1 semesters or 0.5 years remaining to complete this degree (assuming a full-time load of 16 hours per semester)
Category Cost Basis Cost (To You) Estimated Benefits Net Cost Notes
Tuition $169 Per Credit $3,887 $0 $3,887 163.40 tuition per credit and 5.75 comprehensive fee per credit
*Please note that the above estimated costs do not include all Federal, State or other financial aid, grants, scholarships, etc. for which you may qualify. All such aid could substantially reduce these costs.
Other Financial Aid to Pay for College:
  • You may be eligible for additional financial aid from Federal, State, and Local sources. Military education benefits are not considered in determining eligibility for federal financial aid. Everyone is therefore encouraged to apply for federal financial aid by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), because many will qualify for additional educational funds like Pell Grants, worth over $5,500/yr.
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